With a planetarium, an IMAX movie theater, and a two-story Van de Graaf generator capable of producing 2.5 million volts of electricity, the Museum of Science is truly impressive. Children love the interactive discovery center, live animal exhibit and the dinosaur exhibit with fossils and life-size models. These and the hundreds of other exhibits make this museum one of Boston's top attractions. This educational and entertaining museum is perfect for the whole family.
President John F. Kennedy's memory is sacred in the minds of many Americans. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum, a glass pavilion designed by Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei, is dedicated to his memory. Visitors are transported back to the darkest days of the Cold War. A short film recounts JFK's deeds in his own words while the authentic photos and exhibits evoke the brief period in White House history that nostalgic Americans refer to as "the days of Camelot".
This century-old Italianate structure of bronze doors and grand marble staircases, Boston Public Library was the first free municipal library in the nation. The library's first building on Mason Street was a former schoolhouse, which opened in 1854. Having received an authorized decision, the library's then commissioners located a new building for the library on Boylston Street. Thus, the Copley Square location became home to the library in 1895. Expanding the Copley Square location in 1972, the Johnson building was constructed adjoining the McKim building. In this National Historic Landmark, you can find collections of maps and prints, rare books and manuscripts, and fine mural series. The Boston Public Library offers daily tours highlighting famed central library buildings and art works by some prolific artists from the bygone era.
One of the most famous Ivy League Universities in the world, Harvard is every aspiring academic's dream destination. Established in the year 1636, Harvard is the oldest college in the United States by a country mile. Its collegiate school, initially known as 'New College', primarily served to instruct clergy members, and continued in this vein until the early periods of the 18th Century. Throughout the 1700s, 1800s, and 1900s, Harvard's reputation has only grown, as did its offerings and concentrations. Harvard broke with tradition in 1977, when it merged with Radcliffe college, essentially making it coeducational. Today, Harvard remains one of the most prestigious learning institutions in the world, and the red bricks of Harvard Yard are a Boston landmark. Its campus covers nearly 210 acres (85 hectares) and is home to numerous heritage sights such as the John Harvard statue, Massachusetts Hall, Widener Library and Harvard Yard.
Arnold Arboretum, a botanical garden, located in Jamaica Plain, is the crown jewel in Frederick Law Olmsted's Emerald Necklace, which is the chain of Boston parks that he created. The manicured grounds, under the management of Harvard University, are filled with exotic flora that are tagged with species and genus names for the eager amateur botanist. The annual 'Lilac Sunday' during the second week of May draws thousands of visitors to enjoy the beauty of lilac bushes. Whether you are looking to take a break or learn something new, Arnold Arboretum will surely strike a note in your heart.
The Old South Meeting House was originally built as a church by Puritans in 1729. This building went on to play an important role in the American Revolution as a gathering point for those seeking American independence from Britain. On December 16, 1773, over 5000 colonists met here to protest a tea tax. From the meeting, these protesters went to the waterfront and tossed crates of tea into the harbor. The act later came to be known as the Boston Tea Party. An in-house shop in the museum basement has small articles of the historic events that occurred here, as well as copies of books and documents of historical importance.
Muslims in the city converge here on important Islamic festivals like Eid-Ul-Adha, months like Ramadan, and every Friday afternoon for the special weekly prayer. Sermons are given and congregations are led by a learned Muslim scholar who also offers guidance on Islamic matters. One can also search for a Muslim priest to conduct marriage ceremonies here.
Located in Lynn, Massachusetts, the Grand Army of the Republic Hall (also popularly known as the Grand Army Museum) is a famous tourist attraction for travelers coming from all over the US and abroad. This historic hall was built in 1885, as a memorial for the American Civil War Veterans, by the soldiers and workers of the Grand Army of the Republic. Post its induction into the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, the hall was converted into the Grand Army of the Republic Museum.
A historic tavern located on Salem Street in Wilmington, Harnden Tavern (or Col. Joshua Harnden Tavern) is one of the few remaining structures in the US that serve as beautiful examples of late-Georgian architecture. In 1973, the Wilmington Town Council took over the reins and ownership of the property, subsequently converting it into the Wilmington Town Museum. Inducted into the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, this historic property is a popular tourist destination for American and overseas tourists.
Loose yourself in the world of books as you visit Robbins Library. Established in the early 1800s, this library impresses you with its old-world charm and has been used as a community center ever since its existence. Be it romance, classics, fiction, thriller, self-help or some other genre that you are looking for, the Robbins Library is neatly stocked with several archived and latest books and magazines and has something for everyone. Being a community center, this library plays a venue for several community events and meetings.